How a Summer Storm Can Damage a Chimney
A violent summer storm can cause a lot of damage to a chimney. Sometimes, the damage will be obvious; other times, you may not notice it at first.
American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share some helpful information about the effects that summer storms can have on chimneys and what to do if yours becomes damaged.
Causes of chimney storm damage
Chimneys and their components are regularly damaged by storms that feature:
- High winds
- Powerful hail
- Lightning strikes
- Heavy, ongoing rain
If the storm is severe enough, even the best-built chimney can be vulnerable. The two main issues we often find after a summer storm are water damage and structural damage.
Chimney water damage
Several parts of a chimney can allow water into the system.
Chimney caps
When a chimney cap, flue cover or chase top is damaged, water can move into the flue. Once inside, it can cause:
- Chimney liner deterioration
- Damage to the fireplace damper and firebox
- Mold growth
Bricks and mortar
Cracked chimney bricks and crumbling mortar joints can lead to widespread masonry damage and affect interior areas of the chimney and nearby parts of the home.
Chimney crown
A damaged concrete chimney crown can cause brick deterioration below it, while opening the way for water to fall into unseen areas of the interior chimney system. Once there, it can cause damage to interior masonry, the chimney liner, parts of the home and parts of the fireplace.
Chimney flashing
Flashing seals the gap between the roof and chimney. Storm-damaged flashing will send water into areas of the home below the roof, affecting the roof, attic, ceilings and walls. Chimney masonry below the roofline can also be damaged.
Chimney structural damage
A severe summer storm can cause significant structural damage to a chimney. The problem can be worsened if the chimney was constructed by inexperienced workers or if the materials used were of poor quality.
When a chimney’s bricks and mortar joints are compromised, the entire structure may become unsafe. The chimney can begin to tilt to one side, which can damage parts of the roof. Eventually, it might collapse, which can damage a lot of the roof and put people and pets near the disaster at risk.
How to address chimney storm damage
After a storm, your first call should be to a qualified chimney inspector. Even if you don’t see obvious signs of damage, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
The inspector will look at your entire chimney system and be able to spot both obvious and “hidden” signs of damage and malfunction. Repair or rebuilding work can then start.
Common types of chimney work following a summer storm include:
- Chimney cap, flue cover or chase top repair or replacement
- Chimney crown repair or rebuilding
- Masonry repair, including brick replacement and tuckpointing for mortar joints
- Chimney flashing repair or replacement
- Chimney liner repair or relining
- Fireplace damper repair or replacement
- Firebox repair or rebuilding
Help for your damaged chimney
If a summer storm or anything else has harmed your chimney, American Chimney & Fireplace is standing by to provide licensed chimney inspections, chimney repairs and a full line of chimney maintenance services.
When you need a fast response and work done right the first time, call the experts at American Chimney & Fireplace. You can also reach us through our contact form.
